Negotiations Confirmed: Sinaloa Cartel Heirs (El Chapo’s Sons) in Talks for Plea Deal, No Cooperation with Prosecutors Yet
The sons of infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, often referred to as “Los Chapitos,” have confirmed long-rumored negotiations with U.S. prosecutors. This marks a major development in the legal battle surrounding the Sinaloa cartel.
In a Chicago district court on Monday, Jeffrey Lichtman, the Guzmán family’s attorney, revealed ongoing talks about a potential plea deal for Ovidio Guzmán and his brother Joaquín Guzmán Jr. The disclosure came during a status hearing where Ovidio, already in U.S. custody, confirmed Lichtman’s representation for both him and his brother. Joaquín was arrested in July following the mysterious capture of cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
Lichtman clarified that while there are discussions about plea deals, there is no agreement for the brothers to cooperate with prosecutors at this point. When pressed on the matter, Lichtman dismissed the idea, humorously suggesting the odds of cooperation were as likely as him suddenly becoming an NBA player.
“Two totally different cases,” Lichtman said. “Although I represent both brothers, it doesn’t mean they’ll have the same outcome. The government views them differently.”
Former federal prosecutor Gil Soffer emphasized that even without cooperation, entering a plea deal would require the brothers to admit guilt in court, potentially reducing their sentences.
Ovidio, arrested in Mexico and extradited to Chicago a year ago, now awaits trial alongside his brother. Meanwhile, Zambada is set for trial in New York, where prosecutors are eyeing the possibility of “Los Chapitos” testifying against their father’s longtime associate.
This latest courtroom development marks the first public confirmation of plea deal negotiations in a case that has captivated the world’s attention for years.
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